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Austria & Germany ban Brits
In response to the rising number of cases in the UK of the so-called Indian variant of Covid-19, Austria has now followed Germany in taking action against Brits entering the country. All direct flights to Austria from the UK will be banned from only Austrian citizens and residents will be allowed in.
For UK travellers to Germany, they can now only enter if they are a German citizen or resident. Spouses and children under 18 of a German citizen or resident can also enter, as long as the household are travelling together. You would also have to quarantine for 14 days, even after a negative test.
France is also making noise about tightening restrictions as well. This is all reminiscent of the scenes at the end of December last year after the Kent mutation ran rampant across the UK. The only advantage we have now is that we have far fewer cases and the variant does not seem resistant to vaccines. However, the timing could not be worse just as it appeared that we may be able to start travelling again safely.
Canaries will still need Covid test
Spain has been making a big deal of how it wishes to welcome those from the UK without needing to take a Covid test. This seems quite ironic given the actions taken by Germany and Austria over the last few days! While Spain is still amber, it is predicted that the Canaries could be on the green list for the next stage on 7 June.
However, it is worth noting that like Portugal, different rules may apply for the islands such as The Canaries and the Balearics. These have their own rules and could still require a Covid test before arrival.
A negative COVID-19 test currently applies in the Canary Islands. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from testing. Tests permitted are PCR (RT-PCR for COVID-19), Transcription Mediated Amplification (TMA), and Antigen tests.
You can find the official advice on the FCDO countries list here.
St Regis The Palm opens
The UAE is on the red list due to it being a transit hub. It is hoped if the the global Covid situation is better by July, that the country could come off the list, although I don’t see it going green for a while. Hopefully, by next winter it will be on the green list as it makes a great winter sun destination. There have been a number of new luxury hotel openings over the last few months and the latest one is great for Marriott Bonvoy redemptions. It’s worth comparing cash prices as at the moment, prices in Dubai are generally much less than usual so it could be worth using cash.
If you want a beach holiday in a peaceful location, then the Palm can be ideal. However, due to its layout, it can take a long time to get anywhere so if you prefer more hustle and bustle you would be better somewhere like the Jumeirah beach area or by the creek. The good news with the St Regis is that it is on the trunk, so it’s a much shorter trip back to the mainland than somewhere like the Waldorf Hilton.
The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm opened last week and is available to book. The St. Regis occupies the first 18 floors of The Palm Tower, a new 52-story landmark development connected to the Nakheel Mall which offers shopping and a variety of dining and entertainment options. Guests can also access the Palm Monorail from the mall. On the 52nd floor of the tower, The View at The Palm is an exclusive observation deck that rests 240 metres above the iconic island and offers 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and the city skyline, as well as an interactive experience showcasing the history and creativity behind the island. The hotel is also a three-minute drive to The Pointe, a waterfront destination, with restaurants, shops, and the world’s largest fountain measuring 7,327 square metres.
The decor is a mix of light and airy contemporary décorwith a touch of Arabian bling such as the hotel’s grand staircase, which is embellished with gold detailing that encircles a chandelier that’s inspired by the Arabian palm tree.
The hotel has 264 guestrooms and 26 elegant suites with views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows. The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm of course features the hallmarks of the St. Regis brand, including St. Regis Butler Service, which allows each guest to customise their stay according to personal tastes and preferences.
Food and drink
The hotel has a diverse selection of restaurants, bars, and lounges. Cordelia, the grill room offers premium cuts of meat and seafood sourced from around the world.
Her by Caroline Astor offers an elegant place to enjoy the brand’s signature Afternoon Tea. The ladies-only venue features curated tea pairings and a locally inspired take on this acclaimed St. Regis ritual.
The iconic St. Regis Bar extends the legacy of the King Cole Bar at the brand’s flagship property at 55th and Fifth Ave. in New York City, where the world-renowned Bloody Mary cocktail was born in 1934. Guests can enjoy The Glitzy Mary, a locally inspired take on the brand’s signature beverage, which features traditional Emirati flavours including date syrup, an aromatic bezaar spice blend, sun-dried lime, and earthy saffron.
The poolside restaurant, Dip Pool Bar, has scenic views of Dubai’s skyline.
Honouring a signature tradition at St. Regis properties around the world, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm marks the transition from day to evening with a celebratory sabering at dusk.
Spa and pool/beach
A luxurious oasis, The St. Regis Spa offers bespoke signature treatments including the Signature Gold Journey, which uses 24k gold to nourish and strengthen the skin. Guests can work out in the Fitness Center, featuring a range of cardio and strength equipment, or swim in a choice of two pools, one for families and one for adults. The hotel is also steps away from sandy beaches and the soon-to-open St. Regis Beach Club.
The hotel is category 7 which means points range from 50,000-70,000 per night. You can check rates and get more information here.
Don’t forget that you can get additional benefits such as upgrades, $100 hotel credit and more on many hotels by booking through our luxury travel agent partners, Debonair.
2 comments
The German regulations, according to my reading of them, prohibit transiting through Germany if your final destination is in the Schengen area. If you’re heading for a non-Schengen destination then it appears you are OK as a transit passenger.
Stayed at the Andaz opposite the new St Regis a few months ago. The St. Regis is definitely not a beach hotel. I can’t really think which market they are aiming at- not many business visitors on the Palm and a USP for pretty much any hotel in Dubai is a beach. Big pool though (overlooking a busy road!). The Nakheel Mall is also definitely NOT a Mall of the Emirates- very quiet in fact. Closest public beach would be the one by the Ritz. Monorail is naturally expensive- it connects with the tram- but a long walk to connect. Close-ish to the marina.
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